World News

Sharpeville massacre survivors launch High Court bid to overturn apartheid-era indemnity law

A new lawsuit challenges South Africa's 1961 Indemnity Act to pave the way for reparations and potential prosecutions over the 1960 killings.

Updated Sep 3, 2026 · 01:18 UTC1 reports

The short version

Survivors and victims' families have filed a High Court case challenging South Africa's 1961 Indemnity Act as unconstitutional.
The lawsuit, filed by Lawyers for Human Rights and Leigh Day, seeks class-action certification for about 70 people to pursue civil reparations and potential criminal charges.
The South African government stated it does not oppose the legal action, while the High Court must still rule on the law's constitutionality and the class-action application.

The 1961 Indemnity Act was enacted by the apartheid government to shield police and state officials from civil claims and criminal prosecution regarding the Sharpeville massacre.[BBC News]
Lawyers for Human Rights and Leigh Day filed a High Court lawsuit arguing the 1961 law violates South Africa's 1994 constitution.[BBC News]
The legal action requests certification of a class action representing approximately 70 victims and relatives to seek restitution from the state.[BBC News]
During the 21 March 1960 protest against pass laws, police opened fire, killing at least 69 people by historical records—with recent researcher estimates placing the death toll as high as 91—and wounding over 200.[BBC News]
The South African justice department stated it does not oppose victims seeking legal remedies and noted that 560 Truth and Reconciliation Commission-recognized victims have received grants totaling roughly $31 million.[BBC News]

Whether any surviving perpetrators of the 1960 shootings are still alive to face criminal charges if the indemnity law is overturned remains unconfirmed.[BBC News]
The total death toll from the 1960 massacre remains subject to varying estimates, ranging from at least 69 up to 91.[BBC News]